From Guest Blogger Brooke Chaplan: Four Technologically-Advanced Ways to Reduce Your Family’s Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide emitted every day as a result of human beings’ activities. Emission of carbon dioxide pollutes the environment. Driving, cooking, manufacturing of various products, and heating are some of the common activities that lead to the emission of carbon dioxide. Burning fossil fuels is also a major activity that increases greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Densely populated areas and large cities in the world have more carbon footprints because of industries, vehicles, and other human activities. Homeowners also emit carbon dioxide when performing daily activities. If you want your family members to stay healthy, you must ensure that they live in a clean environment. Below are 4 technologically-advanced methods you can use to minimize your family’s carbon footprint.

Watch the Thermostat Keenly

Your thermostat settings will highly determine the amount of carbon dioxide produced in your house. If you are conscious with these settings, you will reduce your family’s carbon footprint drastically. When you move out of your house, you should set your thermostat low in the winter and high in the summer to save energy. Moreover, you can use low-energy space heaters and ceiling fans during the summer.

Buy Efficient Appliances

Some of the commonly used appliances in homes today include water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, cookers, and computers. They increase your family’s carbon footprint. However, there are other energy efficient appliances you can use in your home to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. For instance, if you want to replace your old equipment, you should buy energy-efficient ones that decrease monthly energy bills. Additionally, they should be eco-friendly.

Drive Less

If you have several vehicles in your home, you can use one for a family trip. Driving more vehicles increases the amount of carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere. Additionally, you should not make multiple unnecessary trips per day using your car. Combining your errands and trips will save more energy and time. Additionally, you can consider walking, biking, and using public transportation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Use Solar Energy and LED Bulbs

Solar energy is eco-friendly. Therefore, you should use it to operate equipment and for lighting in your home. Some companies, like AAA Solar Source, know that you should also eliminate incandescent bulbs in your home, which consume more energy. Energy-efficient spiral-shaped and low-watts LED bulbs are the best to use in your house. They do not emit poisonous gases.

Conclusively, you should turn off and unplug house appliances when they are not in use. The process saves more energy and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in your house.